Cape police seeking cigarette thief

Police were asking for the public's help in tracking down a man who stole more than $700 in cigarettes from a Cape Girardeau store.

A case containing 30 cartons of cigarettes was stolen shortly after 5 p.m. Feb. 6 from The Hot Spot store, 400 Morgan Oak St., according to police spokesman Jason Selzer.

The suspect first walked into the store and placed a 40-ounce beer from the cooler onto the counter by the cashier. Then he walked out, saying he had to get some money.

When he returned, he asked for a bottle of gin. As the store clerk turned to get the bottle, the thief reached behind the counter and took the case of cigarettes.

Each stolen carton was worth $25.66, totaling $769.80, according to Selzer.

Anyone with information may call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.